Despite the casual nature of the sighting, a Secret Service representative said Obama was being closely watched and monitored by agents during his workout. The representative compared it to other off-the-record stops the president frequently takes at restaurants. No gymgoers were asked to refrain from taking pictures.

"Because all hotel guests are screened prior to entering the hotel and due to the spontaneous nature of the visit to the gym, no guests were asked to leave," the representative said in an email.